Tourist compensated 4.8 million because smoking punctured mattress: The compensation request of the hotel in Cua Lo is well-founded
A case that caused a stir on social media involving a tourist having to pay 4.8 million VND in compensation for burning hotel furniture due to smoking has attracted the attention of thousands of internet users.
The incident occurred at the Kingdom Hotel in Cua Lo, Nghe An and has been verified and clarified by local authorities.
Official explanation from hotel owner
TT shared on social media about his unwanted experience: "One mistake cost him several million! First of all, it was my mistake, I'll take it, guys! I smoked and burned some of the bed sheets in the room. The hotel owner demanded 4,800,000 VND in compensation. I accept my mistake, but the burn marks and damage like that are too much, right guys! Hotel... Cua Lo, Nghe An!".
Regarding this incident, Mr. Nguyen The Hien, CEO of Kingdom Cua Lo Hotel, confirmed that the incident of a guest smoking and damaging furniture in the room was real and a record of property compensation had been made.
"We only ask customers to compensate according to the purchase price of the item, absolutely no penalty. In fact, when customers damage property, they have the right to take it back. However, because it was inconvenient for the customer to take it back, the hotel bought it back for 800,000 VND," said Mr. Hien.
According to the property compensation record made between Kingdom Cua Lo Hotel (belonging to Phan Trung Tam Company Limited) and Mr. KHC (born in 1978, residing in Hanoi), Mr. C. stayed in room 607 from June 29 to July 2. During his stay, he smoked and set fire to some items.
Specifically, the recorded damages include: 1 bed sheet worth 450,000 VND; 1 waterproof sheet worth 450,000 VND and 1 mattress worth 3,900,000 VND. The total damage was calculated to be 4,800,000 VND. After payment, Mr. C. was entitled to own all damaged assets. The minutes were signed and stamped by Mr. Nguyen The Hien.
On the local government side, a representative of the Department of Culture and Society of Cua Lo Ward (Nghe An) confirmed that they were aware of the incident and had sent staff to directly verify it. Initial results showed that the hotel's request for compensation for damages was well-founded.
"According to initial verification, a guest staying at the Kingdom Hotel smoked and burned two bed sheets and a mattress. The total damage was 4.8 million VND.
After paying, the guest can take all the burnt property home. In principle, the hotel is not wrong. The hotel staff has handled the matter correctly according to the regulations and rules that have been made public for the guest to know," said a representative of the Department of Culture and Society of Cua Lo Ward.
Different views of the online community
This post has attracted thousands of interactions, shares and created many mixed opinions.
A large number of social media users expressed their agreement with the hotel's compensation, emphasizing the violation of smoking ban and fire risk.
Those who support the hotel's decision argue that smoking in rooms is a serious violation of safety regulations and can have dire consequences. Those who support this view stress that guests need to take full responsibility for their own behavior.
On the other hand, some people think that the fee of 4.8 million VND is too high compared to the actual damage, especially when it is just a small burn on the mattress and bed sheet. They think that there needs to be a fair assessment of the actual damage and a reasonable compensation level.
This incident has become an important lesson for both tourists and accommodation establishments. Tourists need to raise awareness of compliance with regulations, especially regulations related to fire safety. Smoking in the room is not only a violation of regulations but can also cause serious consequences.